Recruting An Elder

The next day, as the sun peeked over the New York skyline, the Continental Hotel stood as a bastion of elegance and opulence. In the spacious lobby, amidst the plush sofas and lavish décor, Winston found himself deep in conversation with Jack.

Seated comfortably, Winston gazed at Jack, his eyes filled with curiosity and a touch of apprehension.

"Mr. Jack, why have you sought me out?" he inquired, his voice laced with intrigue.

Jack had recently completed a monumental task, bringing the Assassin Brotherhood to its knees and Wick had forewarned Winston about Jack's true identity and his pivotal role in shaping the world's destiny. This knowledge prompted Winston to treat the situation with utmost seriousness.

"Mr. Winston, I believe Wick has already divulged some details about me," Jack began, his voice carrying an air of quiet confidence. "So, let us not beat around the bush. Shall we proceed directly to the matter at hand?"

Winston nodded, his gaze fixed on Jack, waiting for the revelation that was about to unfold.

"How many years have you dedicated to running the illustrious New York Continental Hotel, Mr. Winston?" Jack asked, leaning back slightly.

"Forty long years," Winston replied, a touch of nostalgia flickering in his eyes as he reminisced about the journey.

Jack's voice grew softer yet more compelling. "Have you ever pondered the possibility of breaking free from the shackles of the High Table? To no longer be held hostage by their threats? To cease being a mere pawn, but instead become the master of your own fate?"

Winston's brows furrowed in genuine curiosity. "What do you mean, Mr. Jack?"

A sly smile danced upon Jack's lips as he took a sip of his wine. "Wick must have informed you of my purpose," he remarked casually.

Winston nodded, the wheels turning in his mind.

"Indeed, he did. At first, I doubted the feasibility of your grand plans. But now... I find myself less skeptical."

Jack leaned forward, his eyes glinting with conviction.

"Care to take a gamble, Mr. Winston? You've witnessed my strength. If you choose to join the Knights Templar, I can offer you a position of even greater influence."

Winston's interest piqued, his initial doubts giving way to intrigue. "And what position would that be?" he inquired, unable to hide his curiosity.

A mischievous smile played on Jack's face.

"Once everything is said and done, I will depart. And at that moment, you shall become the revered Elder of the Knights Templar. A title befitting your skills and dedication. How does that proposition strike you?"

Winston's eyes widened, his mind racing to grasp the immense opportunity being presented to him. After a brief pause, he regained his composure and responded, "This pie... it seems almost too grand to believe. It leaves me wondering if it's but a sweet illusion."

"My purpose is simply to bring order to this chaotic world, to restore balance where it is desperately needed. The subsequent challenges that arise are not part of my original plan, and I have no desire to deal with them. That's why I need to find someone who is not only capable but also trustworthy, in case things go awry and a new mess emerges."

Winston leaned back in his chair, studying his companion. "You trust me?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity and a touch of skepticism.

A mischievous smile played on Jack's lips as he replied, "I trust Wick, and since you can be friends with him, I believe I can trust you as well. What do you think?"

Winston chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, making this decision is quite the challenge indeed," he mused, a twinkle in his eyes. "As the Elder of the Knights Templar, even my sixty or seventy-year-old bones have wearied with ambition."

He sighed, contemplating his position.

"How long can I continue to sit in this role? Even if I were to stay under the High Table's rule, as I have for over forty years, I would remain in this position until my last breath, awaiting the High Table's choice of my successor. So, even if time is running short for me, and even if the odds of success are slim, even if success doesn't guarantee my continued reign..."

He paused, a determined look crossing his face. "Compared to this unchanging position I find myself in, hope seems like a worthy choice."

Jack listened intently, nodding as Winston spoke. "I understand," he replied. "Hope can indeed be a powerful motivator when faced with such circumstances."

Winston's eyes sparkled with resolve. "And so, I have made my decision. I choose hope. I choose to join your cause."

Jack's face broke into a warm smile. "Welcome to the Templar Knights, Mr. Winston," he said, raising his wine glass in a toast.

The clink of their glasses resonated in the air, a small celebration of their partnership.

"Now recite our creed and join us Winston." Jack said as he handed Winston an embroded card.

"To walk the path of stillness," Winston started to recite the creed of the Templars,

"To guide restless desires into tranquil contemplation, to lead those whose wills wander astray towards inner peace."

Winston's voice gained strength as he recited the creed.

"We Templars never conceal our intentions, for when the world falls into turmoil, when people turn their weapons against their own kin driven by selfish desires, and when the blade of freedom threatens to pierce their fervent hearts, that's when we Templars step in."

"May the knights forever be blessed, guarding the temple under the scorching sun. May the Father of Cognitive Insight guide us on our path."

Jack's eyes lit up with excitement. "How delightful," he exclaimed, raising his glass once more in a toast. "Here's to the unity of our noble causes!"

As the glasses clinked together, the sound reverberated through the room, a harmonious symphony of determination and shared purpose.

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